Occult Vitamin D Deficiency in Postmenopausal US Women With Acute Hip Fracture

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Vitamin D is required for efficient absorption of dietary calcium and for normal mineralization of bone. Reduction in vitamin D levels is associated with impaired calcium absorption and a compensatory increase in the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) which, in turn, stimulates bone resorption and bone loss. According to the recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Study, an estimated 26 million to 38 million US adults have osteoporosis or are at risk for osteoporosis in the hip.1 Risk of hip fractures increases exponentially with age. Hip fractures are increasing worldwide, and are the most devastating and costly of the osteoporotic fractures.2 Advancing age is associated with reductions in sun exposure, intake and skin-activation of vitamin D, and in vitamin D absorption, all of which may contribute to low vitamin D levels.3